Work Text:
"Are you sure you are going to handle it here Soap?" Ghost glanced over his shoulder to meet Soap's gaze "You don't trust me Lt?" Soap questioned with his brow raised. Simon didn't give him an answer right away.
Of course, he trusts Soap. They are teammates after all, but a small part of him is skeptical. He is scared for Jacob. Even after all these years he still can't help but worry, and most importantly, blame himself for what happened.
"Simon." his name and a hand on his shoulder brought him back to reality. Before Soap could ask, Simon answered him "I do trust you, Johnny, I really do. I just can't bring myself to let go of the past." with that he picked out his favorite leather jacket.
He told Soap about the past. He told him why he was taking care of Jacob. He couldn't bring himself to give him up. To send him away. He was the last thing he had left from family and he was prepared to guard it with his life, literally.
"Uncle Si, are you going out with her?" Jacobs's voice broke in, excited he jumped on Simon's bed "Yep I am." he turned to face both Soap and Jacob "Will you be wearing your skull mask? I don't think that's romantic." he pointed towards Simon. He often forgets how bold kids are. He glanced at Soap who only averted his eyes to the side, biting his tongue to not say anything.
"I suppose I could wear just a black one." Simon stated turning to the side and finding a plain mask in one of the drawers. He hastily took off the skull mask before replacing it with the new one.
"So…?" he turned back to them. He felt like he was being judged. A lot. God, why was it so hard to get ready for a date? "You look cool uncle Si, I think she'll like it." Jacob finally stated and Simon exhaled with a breath he didn't even know he was holding in.
"Jhonny?" he turned to his teammate and a friend. Soap walked to him and readjusted his jacket and his mask a bit "Now it's better." he gave Simon a grin, to which he replied with a tiny smile of his own.
He shooed them out of the room and down the stairs in the living room. Soap had to take his time with the stairs. The cast was removed a week ago and he had to be careful.
"Uncle Si, will the nice old lady babysit me again?" Jacob turned his head from the TV "I am the babysitter." Soap said confused from beside Gost, finally hopping down front the stairs "How can you babysit me if you can't even take care of yourself?" the boy shot him a questioning glance. There was a stunned silence. Soap watched that kid with wide eyes.
"I mean he ain't wrong." Simon shrugged and subconsciously that little smile turned into a grin "Weren't you supposed to go on a date Ghost?" Soap urged him out the door with a shove "Don't burn the house down." he walked out "Aye Lt. Good luck." "Bye Uncle Simon! Tell her I said hi!" Simon chuckled "Will do Jacob." and with that, he was off. He walked towards the garage, thinking. A car or a motorcycle?
~~~
You were putting on your blouse when you received a text. Checking who it was from you smiled. It's Simon 'Be there in ten' You quickly replied and continued to dress up.
You didn't do much with your hair, only brushing them so they are not messy and light makeup to finish it off. Standing up you took a look at yourself in the full-length mirror.
A blouse with a reasonable v-neck, a simple necklace with your birthstone, combined with a pair of skinny black jeans and heeled combat boots. You felt great. Confident. The sound of an engine made you turn your head to the window and soon a bell rang. You hopped to the door, opened them, and were welcomed by the masked face you have been slowly falling for.
"Hey, Simon!" "Evening to you too love." he greeted you and pulled out something from behind his back. It was a small bouquet of your favorite flowers "Oh Simon, they are beautiful." you accepted and smelled them "Be right back, come in if you want!" You called as you set the flowers on the counter, looking for a vase to put them in. Once you found it you filled it with water and placed the flowers in it.
"How did you know which ones I liked?" you asked, glancing up at him. He was casually leaning against the doorframe, hands in his jeans pockets. He was comfortable around you.
You noticed that at first, he was stiff, almost as if he couldn't relax. After years of serving in the military, try to relax. But you started to notice how he started to get comfortable. Like he could finally be Simon and not Ghost. It made you happy that he feels like this around you, almost special.
"I overheard you as you were talking to Jacob, he says hi by the way." Simon answered standing up "Ready to go love?" he extended his hand to you "With you? Always." you accepted his hand and as he lead you out.
"Don't forget your jacket." he reminded you with a chuckle. You bashfully grabbed it at the last moment before you closed the door and locked it. Then again, why would you need it? It's a pretty warm night, and it's not windy "Hope you don't mind today's ride." at that, you turned around.
You were stunned. Before your house was a sleek black cruiser motorcycle "If you don't want to we can just walk. That's fine too." Simon rubbed the back of his neck. Did he screw up already? Were you mad at him? You signed with a smile and walked toward him.
"I don't mind. I just never been on one before." You confessed as you traced the leather seat "Nervous?" Simon suspected "A little if I'm being honest."
"Well, there is first for everything." Simon smiled, holding out a helmet. You accepted, placing it over your head, tightening the strap, and clasping it together. Meanwhile, Simon sat down "Come on, love, hop on." he patted a spot behind him. Slowly you eased yourself onto the spot but you realized something.
"Where is your helmet, Simon?" "You being safe is enough." he spared you a glance and started up the engine. It rumbled through the empty street and you pressed yourself closer to Simon "Hands around me" he instructed and you listened, wrapping your hands around his torso.
Under your fingers, you could feel the beat of his heart, the rumble of the engine, and defined muscles.
Oh. Oh my.
Your cheeks were heating up and you were now glad that Simon couldn't see your face."Ready love?" Simon checked and you lifted your head "Ready."
Simon drove around Manchester. It was an utterly new experience but you loved it. Once you looked around enough, he began driving to the south of the city. It was a route you knew well, after all, that's where the airport was. He stopped by a park. It was lit by the setting sun and in the distance, you could see the landing planes. Beautiful.
"Shall we take a walk?" Simon suggested towards the park. You nodded with excitement and pulled him towards the park with your hand around his. He intertwined your fingers together and began talking. You talked about Jacob, your work, funny stories from Simon's work, about Soap, and even some of his other colleagues.
The walk led you to a round wooden gazebo. It was on top of a small hill and from the inside, there was a clear view of the setting sun. It was almost down. The sky was full of colors. From orange to pink and from purple to dark blue. Even some stars were begging to show up. You and Simon watched in comfortable silence. You close your eyes for a moment, basking in the last bits of sun.
"How come you never asked about the mask?" Simon asked suddenly. You opened your eyes to look at him. He was looking back at you, leaning over the railing "The question is why should I?" You replied to him.
"People should respect that you might not be comfortable with your face on display and with your line of work?" You chuckled "I would cover it too. I have met a lot of people who feel more at ease knowing that they can wear something to cover their face." you answered him honestly. His heart fluttered at that. He began fighting with the chain of his dog tags, a bad habit.
"What's that?" You asked curiously "My tags." he answered pulling them out "May I?" "Go ahead." you picked them. your fingers gazed on the engraved creases.
‘Lt. Simon ‘Ghost’ Riley, TF 141’
Stealing a glance you looked down at his t-shirt. A well-built chest with a few scars across it greeted you.
"Ah, ah, ah. My eyes are up here love." a finger under your chin made you look into Simon’s eyes. A soft pink hue started spreading on your cheeks "Don't think I didn't notice." he mused, leaning closer to you.
"Or how you blushed when you wrapped your hands around me. Feeling my chest." you could hear he was smirking under that mask. His hand rested on your cheek, a thumb gently brushing against the corner of your lips. Subconsciously you pulled on those tags, bringing Simon closer.
"Close your eyes for me, love." you did. You heard the rustle of fabric and soon you felt a presence close to you. Warm nose brushing against yours and lips ghosting over yours. Pulling those tags once more, you closed the gap between you and Simon.
You felt a light stubble, soft yet slightly chapped lips. A hand on your waist brought you close to his body. It was a sweet kiss. Simon pulled back for a moment but soon was on your lips again, this time, you felt a soft pressure of teeth as he bit on your bottom lip. A request. Parting your lips you send out the invite.
A ringtone of the Scotland anthem made you stop. And literal growl escaped from Simon as he pulled back swiftly making you shiver. You opened your eyes but averted them to the ground.
"You better have a good reason to call, MacTavish!" Simon grumbled as he picked up the call. You heard Soap's voice over the phone but not what he was saying. Simon listened to him, not sparing another word. Only a hum followed by a sigh "Alright we'll be there in a few." he said and you assumed the call had ended.
"You can look up now." you did. Simon's mask was back on his face though it was low. It showed an end of a scar that ran across his nose. You haven't noticed that before "What happened?" You asked curiously "Well, he didn't want to disturb us but Jacob was starting to feel cranky so the only way to calm him down was to call us and convince both of us to get home." he explained with a sigh. That made you giggle. Jacob is such a sweet boy.
"Well, I'll gladly just spend more time at your place then." you send him a smile which Simon gladly returned. It was one of those tired smiles "Come on let's go home Loverboy." you kissed his nose before leaving the gazebo.
Simon had to stand there for a few seconds to collect himself. His cheeks felt warm as you called him by that nickname. He was embarrassed that he was liking the ring to it "You coming, Simon?" You called out his name with a smile "Yes love." he joined you and walked you out of the park, hand in hand.
The ride back to Simon's place was quick. In less than 15 minutes you were there. Before you could even take off your shoes Jacob was by your side "You made it!" he slurred his words and was looking up at you but you could also see how tired he was. Glancing at your watch you noticed the time. It was already past eleven. Without a word you scooped him up into your arms where he cuddled up to you. Just as he did the first time you held him in your arms.
"Can I put him in bed?" You turned to Simon as he walked through the front door. He watched Jacob's tired form as he nuzzled to your neck and played with your necklace. Droopy eyes meeting Simon's. Jacob extended his hand a little giving him a wave before resting it back around your neck.
"He is more than ready to go to bed." Simon agreed "Up the stairs and to the right. First door by the stairs." "Alright." You were about to bend down to take off your shoes but Simon dropped down first, kneeling and helping you take them off "Thank you." you whispered before leaving up the stairs. As you reached the top you could hear Simon and John talking subtly.
You opened the doors and walked into Jacob's room. It was as you'd expected. Dark blue and white walls decorated with some cartoony posters. The floor was covered in a carpet and full of toys. Cars, dinosaurs, LEGOs, soldiers, and action figures. The bed was messy. John probably tried to put Jacob to bed already.
Carefully stepping around the room you reached the bed. You slowly placed the little boy in the sheets and tucked him in. A creek of the door made you look behind you. Simon was leaning on the door, watching. As you were to ask him, Jacob called out your name softly "What is it, little guy?" He murmured something. You leaned in a bit to hear him better
"I love you, mama."
You froze. The color drained from your face. Eyes wide. You didn't dare to look at Simon.
What will he think? What will his parents think?! What is even happening!?
Your ears picked up the sound of footsteps and a warm hand on your shoulder. You tensed.
"Come on love, let's...head down." Simon suggested. You followed after him as you exited the room. He mentioned for you to sit on the couch and he disappeared into the kitchen. In your head, your thoughts were racing.
What have you done?! Confuse a little boy like that? To call you mama? What should you do? What can you do in this situation?!
A glass of wine was set before you making you jump a bit.
"I am so so sorry Simon!" you beat him before he could say anything. At this point, you were close to crying. You took in a shaky breath, drying your eyes and averting your gaze. You both sat in silence. Soap was probably already asleep in the guest room.
"You don't have to apologize for anything, love." Simon replied after a while. You looked up at him, confused, brows quirked. Simon was sitting beside you. Glass of brow liquid with an ice cube sat in his hand. He noticed you were looking at him, giving him your full attention. How can he not be mad? What about his parents-
"They are dead." he said before you could ask anything. You averted your eyes to the floor again.
That...that would explain a lot. You weren't much of a drinker but you accepted the wine, maybe even something stronger at this moment. Hearing a soft thump you noticed Simon's mask laying on the table.
"I suppose you should know what happened." he stated, expecting you to look at him and question but you didn't. You kept your eyes on the ground thinking.
"I do have questions but I won't pressure nor want to know them if you are not comfortable sharing-" his hand on your cheek made you stop as it turned you to look into his eyes. You only looked into the eyes.
"You can look at my face, love. I don't mind." his thumb softly stroked your cheek and you let your eyes wander over the whole face.
Dirty blonde hair that was neatly combed and probably had a bit of gel in them. Thick eyebrows with soft brown eyes underneath. A stog nose with an old scar. It went from under his left eye over the bridge of his nose and continued to his right cheek. Following down to his lips you noticed more scars. One was going from the right side down over the lips and ending on the chin. Lastly, there were scars in the corner of his mouth. They looked like they were curling in a sort of smile. You felt the stubble as you cupped his face in both of your hands, stroking his cheeks, carefully over the scars. Simon relaxed his shoulders and began.
He talked about his parents and childhood. About his brother. How Simon joined the military and what happened there. How we made enemies almost everywhere, how they found his family and brutally murdered them on Christmas Eve. Leaving only Jacob alive.
You offered a hug which Simon gladly accepted. You leaned back on the couch letting Simon rest his head in the crook of your neck. His arms were wrapped around your waist tightly. One of your hands was resting on his back, slowly rubbing it up and down. The Second was around his neck and playing with bits of hair.
"Jacob called me dad on more than one occasion." Simon confessed and you kissed him on his hair "He doesn't remember them. At all. He was just a toddler when it happened but...I felt like I let Tommy and Beth down." You made Simon look up at you.
"You took it upon yourself to raise their child on your own while still having one of the most dangerous jobs on this planet. You haven't let them down Simon." as you finished you kissed his forehead. He let out a sigh and placed his head back on you. Over time you were laying down with Simon nestled between your legs.
"Do you want to try this relationship? Even with the-" "Yes" without thinking twice you answered. Simon lifted his head and body. He hovered over you looking into your eyes.
"Why?" he questioned "I am glad that you are saying yes but-" you covered his mouth with your hand.
"I have fallen in love with you. The way you take care of your friends and family. Your sense of humor. Your little quirks and bad habits I have learned over those two months and I want to give it a go." you expressed yourself.
Simon's eyes were full of adoration. He moved your hand from his mouth and kissed it.
"I thought there is nothing else that would make me fall for you harder. I love you." he smiled and leaned in kissing you softly.
"I'll stay by your side as long as you let me. I love you too Simon." you mumbled against his lips.
"Good thing that I don't want to let go any time soon." he stated, relieved.
Simon laid down, pulling you on his chest. One arm behind his head, the other around you, and a soft blanket covering you both. Soft kisses were The last thing you remember before drifting to blissful sleep. A smile and soft blush were present on your lips as you cuddled closer to Simon who in return looked too.
Happy that he got a chance to have a normal life, to have a family. And he was grateful it could be you.